Dre’s back.

After four years starring as Stanford’s dynamo in attack, redshirt senior forward Andrea Kitahata has decided to return to the Farm for her final year of eligibility. In doing so, she declined opportunities to turn professional in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and in Europe. 

“At the end of the day, Stanford was where I wanted to be for one more year,” Kitahata said. “There’s a lot of unfinished business for me.”

The forward’s decision to stay is a tremendous gain for the Cardinal. On the field, her numbers speak for themselves — in each of her three full seasons on the Farm she has either led or been second on the team in points, with many of her goals coming as game-winners. 

Beyond her production, Kitahata also captained the team last season to the College Cup semifinals, and the year before was an integral piece in the Cardinal reaching the national championship game. 

“She’s definitely a favorite amongst all the players,” head coach Paul Ratcliffe said. “We all appreciate her and we’re excited for one more season and hopefully we can bring home a championship for her as well.”

Kitahata’s decision to return wasn’t made lightly. Coming off of another remarkable season where she led the Cardinal in goals and assists, and having completed her undergraduate degree in the fall, she wanted to properly evaluate all of her options.

“This was the first [offseason] I considered seriously going pro,” Kitahata said. “I had finished my undergraduate degree, so I wanted to leave the door open for that possibility and take a look at what was out there.”

But to add a twist to an already difficult decision, Kitahata had to navigate a completely different pathway-to-pro process than any college player before her. 

Last July, the NWSL agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that broadly granted players greater autonomy over their careers. One change included in the agreement saw the NWSL eliminate the young player draft – a staple of American professional sports. Instead, all youth and collegiate players are now treated as free agents in a model resembling professional soccer leagues overseas. This means that prospective players now have to look for interested teams, meet with coaches and negotiate contracts on their own. 

“I thought the new CBA was great. It got me really excited about getting to have more autonomy over where I would end up,” Kitahata said. 

With the new CBA taking effect this season, Kitahata was in the first class of players seeking professional opportunities in this new environment. 

For her, the process was fast. NWSL teams started their preseasons in mid-January, but Stanford’s deep tournament run meant that she wasn’t available to meet with teams until December. This gave her just over a month to get a contract and make a decision.

Not only was this a new experience for the players, it was also a new experience for the clubs. Front offices had to recalibrate the salaries and contract lengths offered to college players since they no longer owned draft rights. 

“It’s a bit of the Wild West out there right now,” Kitahata said. “[Teams] didn’t really know what the typical protocol was, agents didn’t really know what the typical protocol was and people were kinda making it up as they went along.”

While the increased autonomy for players is certainly a step forward for the league, eliminating the draft removes what’s usually a special night of celebration for the college players. 

“Everyone looks forward to that big moment where you get your name called and you get to go across the stage, get the scarf and finally say, ‘I’m going pro.’ It is a little sad that that moment is no longer a part of the college-to-pro process, but I think it’s worth its sacrifice: your confetti moment for a little more autonomy over where you go,” Kitahata said.

Through the free agency process, Kitahata was offered a fair multi-year professional contract. But even with an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream at her fingertips, there was unfinished business left on the Farm.

“Winning a Natty has always been my goal since I learned what collegiate sports were, and so leaving here without a ring would be a missed opportunity,” Kitahata said. “The team this year is coming out guns blazing and we expect nothing less but to win a national championship.”

Stanford is certainly poised for another shot at the College Cup, having come excruciatingly close to a national championship two years in a row. The Cardinal also fielded a young team last season, featuring multiple freshmen and underclassmen who will benefit from the deep postseason runs. 

Ratcliffe expects these experiences to be key for Kitahata and the team as they gear up for the next season, eyes set solely on the top prize.

“I think [Kitahata’s] leadership is going to be invaluable for our team and that’s what I’m most excited about,” Ratcliffe said. “I think she really understands what it takes to get to the College Cup and I also think she knows what it takes to win the championship.”

Kitahata’s ambitions on the Farm also extend beyond the soccer pitch. By staying an extra year, she will continue her education and obtain a Master’s degree.

“It’s tough to rush out of here… and not get the whole experience. I think there’s a lot that can be done at this school, both on the field and in the classroom and with the people here. I really think it’s a special place,” Kitahata said.

When asked about the impact staying may have on professional opportunities in the future, Kitahata displayed the same signature confidence and focus that makes her such a dynamic player on the pitch, and an icon on campus.

“I am a firm believer that everything else will work itself out and the opportunities that are meant for me will come,” Kitahata said. “So all my time and energy is going into having an incredible season and winning a national championship with these girls”

Thus, it all just seemed right to come back for one last dance.